Gulf Oil Corp. v. United States

GODDARD, District Judge.

This is a motion by the United States to dismiss a libel brought against it under the Suits in Admiralty Act, 46 U.S. C.A. § 741 et seq., for general average contribution.

Libelant, owner of the tanker, Gulf-horn, chartered it to the United States under a “Tanker Voyage Charter Party”. The Gulfhorn sailed, with a full cargo of gasoline owned by the United States, from Mobile. She later struck an obstruction, lost her propeller, and was towed back to Mobile. Resulting port of refuge expenses gave rise to a general average claim against the United States.

The Government,…